Good retro to modern style hard blues rock from the talented Argentinian born guitarist David M’ore. A very good album from David who is influenced by greats like SRV, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Johnny Winter, and Alvin Lee. This guy will get better. Watch out for future releases, and promote real music [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 95.7 Mb]

TRACKS

1 The Sun Ain't Shining 3:35
2 Foxy Lady 6:19
3 Seafood Soup 3:19
4 Right Back On You 4:49
5 From The Other Side Of The River 4:53
6 Come Home 3:29
7 Shame Shame Shame 5:41
8 Going High 4:08
9 You Are Not Good (Bonus Track) 3:02

All songs composed by David M'ore except "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix and "Shame Shame Shame" by Kenny Wayne Shepherd

30.8.12

Garth Webber, known as Garth "Take no Prisoners" Webber, is a brilliant guitarist, but still remains in relative obscurity. A large part of his career was spent in the San Francisco Bay area, and his talents were eventually noticed by a few prominent musicians. In 1988 he recorded and toured with the Ford Blues Band, and from there his career kicked off. You may have listened to recordings by Boz Scaggs, Gregg Allman, Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, and Mose Allison just to name a few, and been unaware that some of the incredible guitar work you heard was by this guy. Speaking of Miles Davis, Garth Webber has gone on tour to South America and Europe with Davis. This alone is a great testament to Garths talent. He is a terrific blues guitarist with an amazing technique. He is one of the most versatile guitarists in the business, and can play anything that blues, jazz, and rock can throw at him, and more, and still remains unknown by far too many people. This crack session musician is continually in demand by some of the world's finest jazz and rock artists. The youngest of the three Ford brothers, Mark Ford's voice is very similar to Robben's, slightly deeper, but less soulful. When it comes to harp playing, he's in a league of his own. "On the Edge" contains some good laid back modern soul jazz blues with a good shot of funk. Guitar from Garth is superb but there could be more. Mark supplys some stupendous catchy harp licks. Myron Dove plays some great bass. Mark penned seven of the album's tracks with Garth composing four. There is also a cover of Sarah Baker's "Grace". Buy Garth's amazing 1994 album, "On the Edge," which demonstrates his guitar wizadry far better than this album, and check out Mark Ford & The Blue Line's s/t album. Keep the blues alive [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 137 Mb]

27.8.12

Tonto's Expanding Head Band's first album, Zero Time, was released in 1971 on the U.S. Embryo label (distributed by Atlantic Records) and attracted a lot of attention. Stevie Wonder in particular was impressed enough to subsequently feature TONTO in his albums starting with Music of My Mind and continuing through Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Jungle Fever; all projects which listed Margouleff and Cecil as associate producers, engineers and programmers (and winning them an engineering Grammy for Talking Book). Writing in Keyboard Magazine in 1984, John Diliberto asserted that: "... this collaboration changed the perspectives of black pop music as much as The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper altered the concept of white rock". "Tonto Rides Again" combines all of Zero Time plus all of the tracks from It's About Time except "Beautiful You". The tracks are re-mastered, and the tracks taken from TEHB's second "It's About Time" album are re-titled, and re-edited. In the liner notes to the re-release, Mark Mothersbaugh wrote: "Once upon a time, TONTO represented the cutting edge of artificial intelligence in the world of music - Robert and Malcolm are the mad chefs of aural cuisine with beefy tones and cheesy timbres, making brain chili for those brave enough and hungry enough. Consequently, back in the cultural wasteland of the Midwest, the release of Tonto's Expanding Head Band was an inspirational indicator for starving Spudboys who had grown tired of the soup du jour. It was official - noise was now Muzak, and Muzak was now noise. So with TONTO "riding again" and the orb-of-sound resurrected, expect a healing. The masses are asses who need TONTO's glasses. Lookout, here comes TONTO!" Also, Stevie Wonder said: "How great it is at a time when technology and the science of music is at its highest point of evolution, to have the reintroduction of two of the most prominent forefathers in this music be heard again. It can be said of this work that it parallels with good wine. As it ages it only gets better with time. A toast to greatness... a toast to Zero Time... forever."

Early to mid '70's electronica music was always going to be limited as regards exploring new musical ideas. Analogue and multi-tracking techniques were limited. Nevertheless,Tonto's Expanding Head Band have always had a cult following and the band's first two albums are regarded by many as landmark albums in the electronica genre. "Tonto Rides Again" is not groundbreaking synth music but is still streets ahead of many today's excuses for electronica, so this album is HR by A.O.O.F.C[All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 149 Mb]

"Mighty Mike Schermer's joyful spirit and love of the blues shines through in every note he plays. He's one of the most extraordinary guitarists of the new generation." - Paul Liberatore Marin Independent Journal

"Schermer, widely known for his work with the likes of Maria Muldaur and Charlie Musslewhite, demonstrates through this album that he's quite accomplished at writing and singing his own songs...a solo act of depth and
vitality...immense talent...classic playing...infused with the high energy of young and creative hands." - John Aiello The Electric Review

"...one of the most underrated guitarists playing the west coast these days, but probably not for long." - Mac McDonald, Monterey Herald

"...on any given night Mike Schermer can hold his own against any electric blues guitarist in the world. His CD First Set is a mind-blowing compendium of his prowess and a damned-impressive intro to a young man who just can't miss. Five Stars!" - Joseph Jordan, Southland Blues

"I've been telling everyone about this CD and playing it just about every week on my radio show...I receive many, many, CDs as a DJ and for talent consideration at the Festival. Most sound the same, and when I'm playing them at work I don't even get out of my chair to see which disc I have on. Well, this one really does make me get out of my chair--and dance! Really a stand-out." - Connie "Crash" Humiston, Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival Blues DJ KKFI 90.1 FM

"When I heard The Mighty Mike Schermer Band live for the first time I immediately wanted my money back...for all the other blues bands I had heard that year!" - Terry Buck KUNI Radio, Cedar Falls IA

"A wonderful guitarist" - Dorothy Hill, Jazz Now/Blues and Boogie

Blues guitar master Mighty Mike Schermer and his band have been a fixture in the Bay Area live music scene for over twenty years, and have performed alongside Elvin Bishop, Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Musselwhite, Maria Muldaur, Howard Tate and dozens more. Mike has many fans around the world, and has won many awards from various music magazines and websites. This is a very good guitar-driven electric blues and often New Orleans inspired R&B and soul album or "Bluesicana" as some people are labelling Mike's kind of music. There are five good original songs composed by Mike Schermer or with bassist Steve Ehrmann plus six blues standards. Terrific guitar playing with help from the brilliant Keyboardist, Jim Pugh on seven tracks. Buy the Mighty Mike Schermer Band's "Live Set" album and support great roots blues and real music [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 102 Mb]

Brian Auger, the "Grandfather of Acid Jazz", came out of the British Blues scene playing with artists like John Mayall. He was strongly influenced by organ players like Groove Holmes, Charles Earland, Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Don Patterson, and many others. However, in his own right, Brian is equally as talented as any of these artists. In his early career, during the mid '60's in England, Brian was a "straight up jazz player". Later in his career he was accused by many music critics and fans of selling out, after he veered his music in a more R&B/jazz direction. At various times, he played with artists like Passport, the Average White Band and Les McCann and Eddie Harris. "Brian Auger is one of the best B-3 artists I have ever heard in my life. His technique is awesome and the amount of energy he generates is unparalleled and relentless. He is a tremendous talent with a wonderfully warm and compassionate personality, a combination that is hard to beat. He deserves all the accolades."- Herbie Hancock: "My Favorite rock artists are Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Brian Auger and Loudon Wainwright."- Mose Allison: "Straight Ahead" has been dismissed by some critics as lacking energy and originality, but it is still a great jazz rock album full of great probing grooves. The rhythms are great throughout. Brian Auger has never played better and all the tracks are laid back and funky. Brian Auger has always tried to embrace the musical zeitgeist and even his so called "commercial pop/jazz rock" has always contained brilliant musicianship and thrown up something new. His music remains original and captivating, and he is one of the world's greatest keyboard players. The album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to Julie Driscoll/Brian Auger & The Trinity's "Streetnoise" album, Brian Auger's Oblivion Express' "Reinforcements" album, and Karma Auger's great "Blue Groove" album. Search this blog for related releases [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 82.9 Mb]

N.B:A little note for Steely Dan fans. One of Brian Auger's favourite musicians is the late English multi-instrumentalist, Victor Feldman, who played on at least five Steely Dan albums, and one of Brian's favourite albums is "Aja".

25.8.12

The first edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival took place in 1976 in the Nederlands Congresgebouw in The Hague, and is now a major international jazz event held at Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. North Sea Jazz presented over three days in July is renowned worldwide for it's many different musicians and musical genres. Now you can hear everything from traditional New Orleans jazz, swing, bop, free jazz, fusion, avant-garde jazz and electronic jazz to blues, gospel, funk, soul, R&B, hip hop, world beat and Latin. For three days the past, the present and the future of jazz music are presented, all under one roof. The festival has played host to many, many artists over the years. This recording by Joe Bonamassa and his band was recorded live on 10th July, 2009 at the festival at Ahoy. Joe is one of todays blues guitar greats and there are seven great tracks here. SQ is not perfect but very listenable and the album is very enjoyable. Buy Joe's great "Black Rock" album and support great blues rock [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 99.9 Mb]

"Loveinamist" was Marianne's fourth LP and her last studio album until 1977 when she released "Dreamin' My Dreams". "Loveinamist" is a good mix of pop and folk, with great tracks like Tim Hardin's "Reason To Believe and Donovan's "In The Night Time. The album was completely overlooked on it's release in 1967. The media in the "swinging sixties" were more concerned with other aspects of Marianne's life. In fact much of her early music has been neglected for many years now. This Japanese bonus issue is a good chance to hear the '60's Marianne Faithfull's beautiful voice and a great choice of covers by writers that include Lennon & McCartney, Jackie DeShannon, Donovan, Tim Hardin, Ray Davies and many more. Listen to Marianne's "Broken English" album, a critical success of which Rolling Stone writer Greil Marcus said, "Fifteen years after making her first single, Marianne Faithfull has made her first real album." Also listen to Marianne's underrated "Strange Weather" album. Read all you need to know about Marianne @ http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/april2009/marianne-faithfull.htmlN.B:Has anybody out there got a full list of musicians' credits for this album? [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 111 Mb]

N.B:Some issues of this album have a different track list than the original Decca UK version of this album. In fact, there are many versions of this album. However, Tracks 1-14 on this post were on the original UK Decca 1967 mono pressing of the album

23.8.12

Michael is a very gifted guitarist who know that less often really means more. His playing is imaginative, and his technique is precise. He can play terrific blues guitar without overwhelming the song and never showing off. He can play with a tone and craft without hands flying across the frets trying to play as many notes as possible in as short a time as possible. This album is a tasteful example of playing great blues guitar by stretching notes and adding clever little fills in all the right places. Mike mainly plays traditional blues but always adds something new to the old classics. If you like biting, aggressive and inventive blues guitar in the style of great players like B.B. & Freddy King, you may like this album. See if you can find Mike's 1988 "Cold Hearted Girl" album. Check out Mike's "What Goes Around", "Touch Tone", and "A Case For The Blues" albums on this blog [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 68.8 Mb]

Michael Osborn was John Lee Hooker’s lead guitarist for 13 years. After his stint with Mr. Hooker, one of Michael’s songs, “Spellbound”, was featured on John Lee’s 1998 Grammy Award winner for Best Traditional Blues recording, “Don’t Look Back”! Michael has also backed such musical luminaries as Robben Ford (Michael has a song credit on Robben’s “Blue Moon” release), Mark Ford, The Charles Ford Band, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, Brownie McGee, Bill Rhoades, Sista Monica, Annie Sampson and so many others. Mike presently resides in the Portland, Oregon area and has been nominated three times by the Cascade Blues Association for best blues guitarist and once for blues best recording for his CD release of “Touch Tone.” As a member of Bill Rhoades and the Party Kings, he taken home 7 awards for best traditional blues band and was inducted into the CBA Hall of Fame as a member of that band! “Michael Osborn is one of the most authentic blues guitarists around today. His style goes straight to the heart of the blues and he’ll steal your show if you don’t watch out!” ~ Robben Ford

Michael Osborn was John Lee Hooker’s guitarist for 13 years (I do remember seeing him with The Boogie Man at London’s Hammersmith Odeon) and he has a respectable discography himself, with three albums for Blue Rock’It between 1988 and 1996, and now releases on his own Checkerboard label. It certainly shows on this release, which is definitely modern blues but without any of the vacant posturing that term sometimes implies. He began his blues career working with the Ford Brothers and in 1970 was a founding member of the famed Charles Ford Band (who recorded for Arhoolie). That he has got the chops is in no doubt from this straightforward blues set. There are echoes of Hooker’s spikey guitar style (most notably on ‘Needles And Pins’), but for the most part the playing recalls the likes of BB King and Alberts King and Collins, though usually with a little more down-home ambience, thanks to the stripped-down accompaniment of just bass, drums and harp. Lead vocals are shared between Dave Jackson on four songs, KG Jackson on three numbers, and Michael himself on just one, and the occasional use of harmonised lead vocals adds a fine individual sound. Most of the songs are originals but there are a couple of nice surprises. Whilst the opener is best-known from The Fabulous Thunderbirds and is a fine, slightly New Orleans-ish rocking piece, ‘Lollipop Mama’ is an excellent cover of Clarence Samuels’ 1947 Aristocrat recording. I enjoyed this CD a lot – it is pleasing and unpretentious. Mike recalls in his notes that Hooker told him: “You can play a lot of notes and think you’re dazzling them… give them melody and feeling…” On this evidence Mike took note. - Norman Darwen, Blues and Rhythm Magazine, UK

Boy, this CD was a long time in coming. After Michael Osborn put together The Drivers more than a year ago with such a talented line-up, I was heavy in anticipation awaiting the release of new material. Well, I have to say the wait was well worth it. Osborn’s third disc on his own Checkerboard label, The Glamorous Life proves that the band’s name is aptly titled. Because this album just drives the blues home. The Drivers of course are made up of Osborn’s searing guitar work, local harp great Dave Mathis doing his usual blowing the tin off the instrument, K.G. Jackson handling bass superbly and John Moore hitting the skins with the perfect rhythm. Michael, K.G. and Dave alternate between one another on vocals. It’s a traditional blues gem, as they work from covers to originals, all with equal attention that rings true every time. K.G. Jackson has long been an overlooked talent in the Northwest. We’ve seen him front bands of his own in the past, most often playing guitar. But he relents the guitar duties to Michael, rightly so considering Osborn’s past work with such people as Charlie Musselwhite, Sista Monica, The Ford Blues Band and more than a decade leading one John Lee Hooker’s band. But Jackson is more than capable at bass and what’s even more his forte, he’s a great songwriter, contributing three tracks to the album. The only other original being Osborn’s title track. The CD opens with a very nice cover of the song “Why Get Up,” best known for The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ take and this new version holds up well compared to theirs. Also familiar tunes include “Lollipop Mama,” a staple of William Clarke’s songbook that has become an outstanding piece yet again in the hands of Dave Mathis, and the Jimmy Reed classic “Bright Lights, Big City” with the unmistakable harmonica riff handled nicely by Mathis while Osborn provides some tasty guitar additions. The Glamorous Life is a very satisfying CD, with only one problem I can note. At just under 31 minutes in length, it leaves you wishing for more. But what a fantastic 31 minutes it is. Bravo to Michael Osborn & The Drivers on delivering the goods in a big way! - Greg Johnson, Cascade Blues Association, Portland, OR

My secret weight loss program? “Sleep Your Weight Away.” It is based on the fact that even a sleeping person is burning calories, and, most importantly, one is not eating while asleep. Feeling hungry? Take a nap instead of having a snack! “I went to the doctor he said lose some weight / And, if you don’t do it quick we got to operate …. Why Get Up?,” sings Dave Mathis, harmonicist and vocalist for Michael Osborn and the Drivers on Osborn’s latest CD. In the opening track, Mathis makes a convincing case for just sleeping the troubles away as he nails the vocals on this cover of the memorable Fabulous Thunderbirds song, written by Bill Carter and wife Ruth Ellsworth. Mathis, in addition to listing six more reasons to just stay in bed, adds a killer harmonica solo at mid song just after Osborn’s tasty guitar-break licks. And, thus, we have the beginning of another standout set of Blues from Michael Osborn and crew. Thirty minutes is way too short for this CD, but I love the stripped down, real-deal approach of this veteran Bluesman’s quartet: guitar, bass, harp, drums — and no horns! Osborn’s guitar playing is a real highlight. With pleasing tone, he is tasteful in his note spacing, stretching, fills, and runs. Anything but over the top, he is, thankfully, not a string shredder. Osborn’s sixth release is purist pleasing electric Blues across four originals and three covers. My favorite original, “Needles and Pins,” is written by bassist and vocalist K.G. Jackson. This mid-tempo shuffle opens with ear catching single notes from Osborn’s guitar. The rhythm joins, founded by John Moore’s pocket drumming, and then three part harmony vocals cement this song enjoyable and memorable. Melody is what makes this song joyously swing, a trait of the classics one remembers most. I also liked Osborn’s multi-tracked rhythm guitar alongside his lead guitar punctuations at the end of each vocal line. “The Glamorous Life” is a humorous shuffle giving us our first listen to Osborn’s serviceable vocals. After listing a litany of road woes for a touring musician, Osborn sardonically sings, but “…it’s the glamorous life.” This song was also included in Osborn’s previous release, 2008’s “What Goes Around.” Michael Osborn is well known and respected, especially in his home, the West Coast. Michael grew up in Ukiah CA with the Ford brothers, including the great Robben Ford. In 1970, he was one of the founding members of the Charles Ford Band. In 1981, Michael became the lead guitarist and band leader for Blues legend John Lee Hooker. For the next 13 years, Michael toured the world with John Lee. Since then, Osborn has played with Sista Monica, toured Europe with his own band, recorded three CDs on the Blue Rock’it label and three more on his own Checkerboard label. For seven years he’s been an outstanding contribution to Bill Rhoades and the Party Kings in his current home near Portland OR. These four cats are just killer: three part harmonies plus all but Moore take a turn at lead vocals, Mathis deft on diatonic and chromatic harps, Jackson writing in classic style, Osborn playing ripping guitar (even channeling Albert King at one point), and John Moore’s veteran stick work being the band’s heartbeat. Electric Blues fans – this one is a delight! - James “Skyy Dobro” Walker, Blues Blast, IL

Bright juicy album by blues singer and guitar player Michael Osborn and The Drivers. Michael’s first album is a collaboration of four high class musicians, intense, passionate, colorful and in love with the most classic genuine blues, who are Dave Mathis on vocals and harmonica, KG Jackson on bass and vocals and John Moore on drums. Three excellent singers who take leading turns along the album, as they are gifted with a great powerful voice which make them shine like twinkling stars. But as instrumentalist they are also impressive and all them have a fine tasteful technique, which makes them give a personal intense feeling to all songs included. The four musicians have individually won some Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards in different categories. Michael was also the right hand of the great John Lee Hooker and the rest of musicians were also members of the bands of artists like Albert Collins, William Clarke, Willie Dixon and Robben Ford, among others. Welcome to this big blues party where these musicians are the best possible hosts and actors. GREAT. - Vincente Zumel,” La Hora del Blues”, Barcelona, Spain

Larry's guitar solo on Becker & Fagen's "Kid Charlemagne" from the "Royal Scam" album is a work of genius. It would be great if Larry had thrown a few more solos like that into his later albums. The guy often "underplays" on occasions and it would be great to hear an all blues album from Larry where he would shine. Nevertheless, he is one of the guitar greats and one of the world's most in-demand sessionmen, and "Friends" shows off his guitar skills better than some of his later more pop rock and smooth jazz albums. Listen to Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour's "Larry & Lee" album and Steely Dan's classic "Royal Scam" album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 96 Mb]

Another great album from the magnificent bluesman/jazzman Robben Ford. Robben is without a doubt one of the world's greatest guitarists. Similar to guitarists like Jan Akkerman, Robben can play any style in any music genre. "Keep On Running" is one of Robben's more blues orientated albums. He is joined by musicians that include John Mayall, Edgar Winter, Jimmy Earl, Mavis Staples, Toss Panos, and more. The album is VHR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to The Yellowjackets' 1991 album, "Greenhouse" which demonstrates the great jazz playing of Robben Ford as does the great "Jing Chi" s/t album. For some extraordinary blues playing, listen to the Larry Carlton featuring Robben Ford "Live in Tokyo" album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 115 Mb]

Ford was born in Woodlake but raised in Ukiah, California, and began playing the saxophone at age 10, picking up the guitar at age 13. Robben and his brothers Mark (mouthharp) and Patrick Ford (drums) had a band they named the Charles Ford Blues Band in honor of their father. Ford began playing professionally at age 18 when the Charles Ford Blues Band got a gig backing Charlie Musselwhite. The band also recorded two albums The Charles Ford Band and Discovering the Blues. Next Ford put together a band with Bay Area musicians that became Jimmy Witherspoon's backup band. Ford recorded two albums with Witherspoon, Live and Spoonful'. The Ford Blues Band reunites periodically, and released live albums in the 1980s and 1990s. In the 1970s, Ford began to branch out into Jazz fusion, and joined L.A. Express led by saxophonist Tom Scott in 1974. That same year they backed George Harrison on his American tour. In addition to recording fusion albums, they served as Joni Mitchell's backup band on Hissing of Summer Lawns and her live album, Miles of Aisles. After leaving L.A. Express in 1976, Ford recorded his solo album, The Inside Story with a band that was to become the Yellowjackets. He went on to play a starring role on the first two Yellowjackets albums, although he was listed as a guest artist due to recording contract arrangements. Ford worked briefly with Miles Davis in 1986; he can be heard on Davis' Montreux box set. Ford released his next album, called Talk to Your Daughter in 1988, a return to his blues roots. In 1989 he joined Philippe Saisse, Marcus Miller and J.T. Lewis in the cast of The Sunday Night Band for the second and final season of the acclaimed late-night NBC television musical performance program, Sunday Night. His best work in the 1990s include Robben Ford and the Blue Line, and Tiger Walk. In addition to recording and touring with his own blues band, Ford continued to tour and play with other bands/artists such as Jing Chi (his fusion band), Gregg Allman and Phil Lesh. He has received nominations for four Grammy Awards. Several Ford tribute bands exist, a statement to his artistry and popularity with the cognoscenti. Ford was named one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century" by Musician magazine. Ford uses Dumble Amplifiers. When travelling abroad he tends to use rented Fender amplifiers along with a Zendrive overdrive pedal by Hermida Audio. Guitar manufacturer Fender used to make a Robben Ford signature guitar, although lately Ford tends to favour Gibson Les Pauls and a custom-made model by Sakashta Guitars. Ford is married to the cabaret singer, Anne Kerry Ford, and collaborated with her on various projects.